Tara's Retreat Care Home

Manager:
Karen Langley

What People Say

"[I'm writing] to say a huge thank you to all of you who have cared for [Mum] over the last six months. Your care and empathy has been amazing, especially in her last days. As a family, we are hugely grateful for the dignity and sensitivity you gave to her."
Family of Resident

"To Annette and all the staff, with much gratitude for the way you care for Mum and all of your residents."
Daughter of Resident

"Thank you for the superb care and for setting our minds at rest that our Father is being well cared for."
Family of Resident

"The continuity of staff has enabled them to get to know my mum’s changing moods. It is very reassuring for me and my family that the staff can manage her behaviour with so much care and attention."
Family of Resident

"Thank you all for providing such a warm and happy home for my Granny over the last couple of years. Granny received such excellent quality of care and was very happy during her time with you. It gave me such a pleasure to come and visit and to see her in such a happy place."
Granddaughter of Resident

"Just wanted to tell you all how grateful I am that mum spent such a happy 2 years with you. It made such a difference to her and all the family."
Daughter of Resident

"I wanted to thank all the staff at Tara's Retreat for having made [Granny] feel so welcome. It was truly delightful to see Granny blossom surrounded by such friendly, caring people. All of us in the family are so very grateful for all the care and genuine companionship she received...I don't think she could have been in a better place."
Grandson of Resident

"I would like to say a huge thank you for your care and kindness to my mother for the last 2 years. Throughout her time with you, we have all felt she was content, safe and well looked after. May your good work continue for many years."
Daughter of Resident

"I am grateful for your kindness, help and encouragement. I appreciated the affection given and you are doing a splendid job."
Resident

"at no point during Mum's residency did we question our decision to place her into the care of Tara's Retreat. We were always so grateful for the professionalism and humanity of the staff. We felt as though you could see beyond the dementia to recognise the real person and that you valued her being there. You should all be proud of the wonderful, important work that you do."
...family of a resident

"your are brilliant at your job...You have the perfect bubbly personality, and the residents clearly love you."
Relative talking about Activity Lead Tamara

"Emily seems genuinely to care for my mother, always treating her with respect and dignity. She shows real compassion both to my mother and to me, giving me confidence that she would be safe in her care."
Son of Resident

"I have learnt a lot from everyone both staff and residents! It has been a very positive and interesting experience. Keep us the great work that you all do."
Work Experience Placement

"We appreciate the support you gave to us, her family. We could not have asked more of anyone at Tara's Retreat."
Family of Resident

"she is being looked after by dedicated management and staff with understanding and uncomplaining consideration. So often when I have expressed my gratitude to them they have said how much they love their job - and it shows."
Husband of Resident

"The most wonderful, caring home where all the staff are highly trained in dementia needs."
Daughter of Resident

Tara's Retreat is a purpose built home in the charming Hertfordshire village of Sandridge, close to the City of St Albans. The home enjoys a very peaceful location with panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

The Care We Offer

Tara's Retreat Care Home provides care for elderly residents. We offer several types of stay depending on the level of support required - from long-term residential care to short stay and respite breaks. The home has two environments for residents depending on the level of care required. Meadows and Hill View provide residential care whilst The Paddocks is a safe, comfortable environment that specialises in the care of older people living with a dementia. The home is accredited with Hertfordshire County Council for their high standards in dementia care.

Tara's Retreat has a select team of experienced staff, who have relevant and appropriate training to meet the needs of the residents. B&M Care has one of the most envied staff training programmes in the industry. We provide high ratios of staff both day and night. The emphasis of our care delivery is on individually planned person centred care, which builds upon a person's strengths and constantly seeks to improve their quality of life. Freedom and privacy are respectfully maintained, yet help is always on hand.

Karen Langley

Manager

Karen was appointed Manager at Tara's Retreat in July 2017 after serving 6 years as Home Manager at Clare Lodge in St Albans. Karen started her career as a Care Assistant and worked her way up to Team Leader and Deputy Manager - a role she focussed on for the four years leading up to her management position at Clare Lodge. She has gained her NVQ IV, NVQ II, Leadership in Dementia Care and is a 'Champion of Dementia Care' - a programme run by Dementia Care Matters in associated with the Alzheimer's Society.

Lynette Parker

Deputy Manager

Lynette joined Tara's Retreat in 2007 as a Care Assistant. She moved on to become a Senior Care Assistant and then to an Assistant Manager all whilst acquiring a number of accredited qualifications including: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and 'Train the Trainer' in Moving & Handling. Further to this, Lynette completed B&M Care's Business Management Pathway programme in 2015, and is a Nutrition Champion (2014) and an Infection Control Champion.

Jocelyn Ramsey

Assistant Manager

Tamara Williams

Activities & Lifestyle Facilitator

Tamara is a National Care Awards Winner for 2014 Resident Engagement. She has worked in the care industry since 2006 and previously worked as an Activities Coordinator for people with learning difficulties and as a care assistant. Tamara started her PTTLS training and has completed The Alzheimer's Society Course 'Tomorrow is Another Day'. She conducts training in Engagement and Wellbeing within the home.

Alex Frame

Activities & Lifestyle Facilitator

Sherri Simpkins

Administrator

Sherri joined the team at Tara’s Retreat in January 2008. She has 20 years secretarial and administrative experience in the Public Relations and Investment Banking sectors.

Angela Ingram

Administrator

With a number of RSA Shorthand and Typing Certificates, Angela joins B&M Care with extensive PA and Communication experience.

Purpose-built 46 bed residential and dementia care home designed over three floors

Bedrooms: All rooms are offered as single en-suite and all of the rooms may be personalised

Dining: All dining and refreshments are fully inclusive. Residents may take meals in a choice of dining areas or if they wish, in the privacy of their own room. Our skilled chef prepares an extensive range of appetising home cooked meals, taking into account nutritional balances and any specific dietary requirements or individual preferences. There is always a choice of menu with refreshments and snacks available 24hrs

Fully inclusive activities and entertainment programme

Fully inclusive in-house laundry

Lift and stair lift

Call bell systems throughout for assistance at any time

Assisted bath and shower rooms

TV & telephone points available in all bedrooms

Hair salon & treatment room

Easy access to extensive gardens overlooking open countryside

Choice of lounges for residents and visitors

Activities room

Mobile library visits

Residents shop

GP, nurse, optician, chiropodist, dentist by arrangement

Ample visitor parking

Tara's Retreat car for trips out

Life at Tara's Retreat Care Home is very much home from home and an active lifestyle is encouraged, with friends and relatives always welcome. There is a team of activities and lifestyle facilitators that arrange a varied social calendar of activities and entertainment. With a focus on one to one activities, they ensure that each of the residents engage in meaningful occupation tailored to who they are.

Below is a sample of some of the typical activities at Tara's Retreat Care Home that fit alongside our many events. This balanced programme of activities covers communication, creative, cognitive, music, physical, recreation, relaxation, reminiscence, sensory, social and spiritual.

Parties: chocolate, clothes, jewellery, cards, shoes, beauty products

Armchair exercises and musical reminiscence

Tea parties, coffee mornings and lunch parties

Ladies Hour and Mens Hour groups - based on a different theme each week